The Cities of Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach Announce Law Enforcement Firearms and Training Facility.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday, November 6, celebrating the opening of a new law enforcement firearms and training facility. The new facility will be a partnership between both the city of Port Orange's and the City of New Smyrna Beach’s Police Departments.

The new facility is located off Pioneer Trail in New Smyrna Beach, and sits on 18-acres, with three separate ranges, including a pistol range, tactical range, and a rifle range.

The firearms and training facility was built to allow both departments to be able to train more frequently and meet or exceed all safety standards.

“For years to come, thousands of officers will come to this facility to sharpen their skills,” said City of Port Orange Mayor, Don Burnette. “These highly skilled officers will be on our streets as the best-prepared professionals to protect themselves, their fellow officers, and our citizens.”

According to a release, construction began on June 28, 2019, and was completed on February 27, 2020, and the cost of the facility totals approximately $2.0 million.

“I am proud to be able to open this new training facility to serve New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, and ultimately the entire local law enforcement community,” said City of New Smyrna Beach Mayor, Russ Owen. “This is what local collaboration should look like to keep costs low and services high for citizens. I am proud of all involved.”

Additional highlights of the training facility include:

• Approximately 1 ½ miles of security fencing 
• Approximately 1 mile of underground electric 
• Approximately 60,000 cubic yards of soil excavated and utilized for elevation and berms 
• Impact berms are 20ft tall,10ft wide at the top, and 40 feet wide at the base